Thomas Gerald Thompson

Thomas Gerald Thompson, 86, of Saint Mary’s, passed away Friday, September 4, 2026, at Spring View Hospital. Born April 3, 1940 in Raywick, he was a former School Teacher and former Regional Manager for the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. He taught at Raywick and Saint Charles schools. During his 18 years working as an archivist, he traveled to 18 counties and truly enjoyed the people he met along the way. He was a lifetime member of the Filson Club. Gerald was also a premier genealogist who spent years helping people research their family histories, especially those whose ancestors moved from Maryland to Kentucky's Outer Bluegrass region. He laid the groundwork and helped organize the very first Maryland to Kentucky Reunion, which was held at the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Motherhouse in July of 1990. Over 650 participants came from 28 states for what the organizers called a “family reunion.” Gerald was quoted: “One of the biggest benefits that come out of genealogy is the wonderful people you meet. There is no way you can ever do it all without sharing or having a sharing system.” Family histories were shared among participants; tours of historic churches, motherhouses, and other landmarks, plus seeing ancestors’ farms, were a bonus. Many reunions followed every other year in Kentucky, Maryland, and Missouri, and they continue to this day. Gerald helped organize and participate in them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Cecil and Mary Jeanette Hughes Thompson; seven siblings, Frances Blandford, Ed Thompson, Bill Thompson, Cecelia Mattingly, Bert Thompson, infant Charles Richard Thompson, and Aline DeNardi.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Martha Mattingly Thompson; one son, Bill Thompson (Don) of Louisville; one sister, Margaret Thompson of Raywick; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Saint Charles Catholic Church, 675, State Highway 327, Lebanon. Rev. Trumie C. Elliott will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The visitation is 4-7 pm Monday, September 7, 2026, at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road, Loretto, with a prayer service at 6:30 pm by Rev. Deacon Joseph R. Dant.

Memorials may go to the Kentucky Historical Society.

Pallbearers are Joe Marion Blandford, Ray Thompson, Dickie Thompson, Terry Mattingly, Martin Thompson, and Rick Thompson.